Facilities

Samson Center

Most of our resources are consumed, and greenhouse gases are emitted, during the construction, maintenance, and operation of our buildings. So we are taking big steps to make them as green as possible.

Green Building Policy

The Institute recognizes the importance of environmentally responsible standards and practices in developing the physical characteristics of its community. The Institute will consider environmental implications in the development, construction, and operation of campus buildings, infrastructure, and grounds.

The Samson Student Center

The Samson Center opened on September 22, 2002 and was constructed incorporating many green building principles, including energy, water, and waste efficiency. It was one of the first buildings of its kind in the Monterey area. Some of these unique features include:

Photovoltaic Cells: These cells are installed on the roof of the reading room building to help reduce overall electrical usage from the operation of the building.

Lighting: The building uses a combination of daylight sensitive and motion sensitive lighting. All of the fixtures meet or exceed California title 24 energy conservation requirements.

Water: The restrooms have low flush toilets, motion sensitive sinks, and drip irrigation is used for landscaping.

Heating: The heating system is a system of hot water tubing that is embedded in the floor.

Cooling: Operable windows, and ceiling fans are installed in order to regulate the temperature in the buildings. The windows are double glazed in order to filter out UV rays as well as to control outside noise.

Raw Materials: The building was built using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) lumber, and the ceilings and the carpets are composed of recycled materials.

Green Renovations

The Institute has also made a commitment to consider at least one green alternative for new renovations. This includes minor renovations as well as major remodeling of buildings on campus. Recent green renovations include:

Carpet: Recycled-content carpet will be utilized in all future recarpeting projects

Paint: Repainting of library, and several classrooms with low VOC point

Roofing: McCone building and Morse building reroofed with ‘cool’ roof

Holland Center Renovations

The Holland Center renovations will incorporate many of the methods above as well as the school's Green Building Policy. The following sustainability practices are being implemented in the renovations:

All demolition debris is taken to the Marina Landfill to be sorted and recycled. A Material Recovery Facility at the landfill extensively sorts all materials and recycles almost 60% of facility input.

Installation of LED Lighting system

Sensor activated electronic restroom sink fixtures

Electronic En-motion restroom paper towel dispensers

Water efficient low flush toilets in all restrooms (1.6 gal)

Use of reclaimed wood in entryway ceiling

Energy efficient roof insulation material

Energy efficient water heater and refrigerator

Water bottle refilling station

Guest Apartments

In 2008, the Institute renovated the “4-plex” building, located on campus at the corner of Franklin and Van Buren streets. This building serves as housing for visiting faculty.

The following green renovations were made in order to comply with new City of Monterey Green Building Codes. They also provide a comfortable, healthy environment for occupants while emphasizing our commitment to sustainability.